National Geographic unveiled its Pictures of the Year. Here are 7 of the most stunning wildlife photos.

• National Geographic spotlighted the top 20 Pictures of the Year in its December 2024 issue.
• The photos include captivating images of animals, nature, scientific innovation, and landscapes.
• Photo editors at the magazine chose the top 20 photos from a selection of 2.3 million images.

Every year, photographers at National Geographic travel around the world to share stories through their lenses.

Then, at the end of the year, the magazine’s photo editors select “the most stunning photos” taken by its photographers for its annual Pictures of the Year issue.

This year, 20 pictures were selected from a pool of 2.3 million photographs. According to National Geographic, these images “capture a thought-provoking glimpse at the wonders of the world around us, which serve as a refreshing break from the hectic fall we’ve all had.”

Take a look at seven of the best wildlife photos from the collection: